What is a reflexology?
by Dr Apoorva Shah

Reflexology is a science that deals with the principle that there are reflex areas in the feet and hands, which correspond to all of the glands, organs and parts of the body. One theory, with acceptance in the Reflexology universe, refers that Reflexology was born in China about 5.000 years ago, although evidences are uncertain. However, Egyptian and Babylonian cultures were around before the Chinese; and Egypt as contributed (with a historical evidence, found in diggings) a document (pictogram) dated of 2,500 - 2,350 BC that describes the practice of Reflexology.
It seems that there isn't doubts about the existence of a strong relation between Reflexology and Acupuncture, both based in similar ideas, that means in energetic and meridian therapies, in the way that propose the idea of energy lines linking the hands and feet to several parts of the body. This means that working on the reflex zones can heal the whole body. Reflexology is a unique method of using the thumb and fingers on these reflex areas.

What is a reflexology chart?

In a reflexology chart, the body is reflected on the feet or hands. It serves as a map for a practitioner to target health goals.

• Left foot or hand reflects the left side of the body and the right foot or hand the right side.
• The spine reflex area runs down the insides of the feet and hands.
• The reflex areas for the arm and shoulder are reflected toward the outside of the foot or hand.
• The toes and fingers mirror the head and neck as well as the parts of the body they encase.
• The ball of the foot mirrors the chest and upper back in addition the heart and lungs.
• Halfway down the foot at the base of the long bones of the foot is represented the waistline of the body. the parts of the body above the waistline are mirrored above this line and those below are represented below it.
• Internal organs lying above the body's waistline are reflected by reflex areas above this line while those below the waistline are mirrored below this line.

What are the benefits of reflexology?

In general terms the benefits of reflexology have to do with the reduction of stress. Because the feet and hands help set the tension level for the rest of the body they are an easy way to interrupt the stress signal and reset homeostasis, the body's equilibrium.

The benefits of reflexology include:

• Relaxation
• Pain reduction
• Rejuvenation of tired feet
• Improvement in blood flow
• To relieve stress and tension
• To improve blood supply and promote the unblocking of nerve impulses
• To help nature achieve homeostasis

Contra indication for reflexology

It is not advisable to have reflexology if you have:

• A contagious or acute infectious disease e.g. dermatitis / eczema / psoriasis
• High fever
• Had recent surgery of malignant tumour
• Foot wounds, burns or infection
• Deep vein thrombosis / phlebitis
• Pregnancy (treatment should be done with caution to certain reflexes and caution should be taken particularly in the early stages of pregnancy)

Frances giving chair massage at local gallery event

 

 

Make Chair Massage Part of Your Next Event

work place, bridal shower, birthday party, spa day, book club meetings,  teacher's appreciation, staff development day, nurse appreciation, customer appreciation

  10 mins. can dramatically make all the difference! 

Convenient and affordable chair massage can make for a memorable gathering.

For rate information, available times and dates please write:
fusiontherapyspa@gmail.com
or call direct (917) 417-5761

CranioSacral Therapy

CST was pioneered and developed by osteopathic physician John E. Upledger following extensive scientific studies from 1975 to 1983 at Michigan State University, where he served as a clinical researcher and Professor of Biomechanics.

CST is a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of a physiological body system called the craniosacral system - comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord.

Using a soft touch generally no greater than 5 grams, or about the weight of a nickel, practitioners release restrictions in the craniosacral system to improve the functioning of the central nervous system.

By complementing the body's natural healing processes, CST is increasingly used as a preventive health measure for its ability to bolster resistance to disease, and is effective for a wide range of medical problems associated with pain and dysfunction, including (but not limited to):

• Migraine Headaches
• Chronic Neck and Back Pain
• Motor-Coordination Impairments
• Central Nervous System Disorders
• Orthopedic Problems
• Scoliosis
• Chronic Fatigue
• Depression
• Stress and Tension-Related Problems
• Fibromyalgia and other Connective-Tissue Disorders
• Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome (TMJ)
• Neurovascular or Immune Disorders
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Post-Surgical Dysfunction

(Adapted from www.upledger.com)


My Referral Source:
Elizabeth Poole, Craino Sacral Practitioner 
Located in Ditmas Park, Brooklyn
acupressur@aol.com 
(718) 707-1009

Lymphatic Drainage

Lymphatic Drainage (LDT) is a gentle hands-on technique that works through the body's lymphatic system to activate the body fluid circulation and stimulate the functioning of the immune and parasympathetic nervous systems (this is the phase of the nervous system that is commonly known as the “rest and digest” phase).

The benefits of the therapy can include:

• Reduction in edemas (swelling) and lymphedemas of various origins
• Regeneration of tissue, including burns and cuts
• Relief of numerous chronic and subacute inflammations, including sinusitis, bronchitis and otitis
• Relief of chronic pain
• Reduction in the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia
• Some forms of constipation caused by hypertonic muscles
• Deep relaxation to aid insomnia, stress, loss of vitality and loss of memory
• Alleviation of cellulite
• Reduction of wrinkles

Still curious? Below are some FAQS about LDT, click on the questions to read more.
1. How does the therapist do the technique?
2. That all sounds interesting…but what the heck is the lymph system?
3. How come it’s ok for the body to send viruses and bacteria to the lymph nodes?
4. So what does the lymph system have to do with swelling in the body?
5. Why does the lymph system get backed-up?
6. How can LDT help?
7. Can you help me with lymphedema?

How does the therapist do the technique?
In LDT, practitioners have been trained how to detect the specific rhythm, direction, depth and quality of the lymph flow anywhere in the body. From there they can use their hands directly on the skin of the client to assess overall circulation and determine the best alternate pathways for draining body-fluid stagnations. They then work with flat hands, using all the fingers to simulate gentle, specific wave-like movements. These subtle manual maneuvers activate lymph and interstitial fluid circulation as well as stimulate the functioning of the immune and parasympathetic nervous systems. This specific technique was developed by the French osteopathic doctor Bruno Chikly.

To learn more, visit: http://www.upledger.com/content.asp?id=27

That all sounds interesting…but what the heck is the lymph system?
So this is kind of a long and complicated story, but I’ll do my best to describe it simply.

Every time your heart beats, the blood in your body is circulated towards the extremities (arms, legs, etc.) via the arteries. The blood in the arteries carries oxygen from the lungs and nutrients, proteins, minerals, etc. to the cells in your body. Let’s call these nutrients, particles and molecules “produce.” The produce then exits the arteries via the capillaries. The cells then exchange their waste products, which are created in the metabolism of the nutrients and molecules, for the fresh produce arriving from the arteries.

There are two sanitation crews that then come along and clean up all the waste (like when you put out your trash, and a nice garbage man comes along and takes it away for you). The sanitation crew is made up of the veins and lymph vessels. The veins pick up about 50% of the waste products, that is then sent back to the heart and then filtered through the liver, spleen, etc. to be cleaned out before the fluids are returned to general circulation. Only 50% of the waste is picked up by the veins because the walls of the veins are very small. The opening to the veins are intentionally small so that viruses and bacteria are kept from getting back to the heart. So what about the other 50%? If you’ve ever been in NYC during a hot summer day when the sanitation crew hasn’t been by, you know that 50% is an unacceptable amount of waste to have sitting around. That’s where the hero of the story comes in, the lymph system…

The lymph system picks up what the veins can’t pick up. Because the openings of the lymph vessel walls are larger, the particles that get picked up by the lymph system are larger. This means that potentially viruses and bacteria may be entering the lymph system, so it has to be ready for anything. Back to FAQS on LDT

How come it’s ok for the body to send viruses and bacteria to the lymph nodes?
Actually most of what we know as the immune system cells resides in the lymph nodes. As the waste passes up the vessels into the nodes, the immune cells scan the markers on everything that passes by them to see if there are foreign agents present before the fluid gets returned to the heart. It’s like a firing squad looking through your recycling before it gets put on the truck back up to the heart. When there is a potential threat, a battalion of immune cells are created to deal with the invader. That’s why you get swollen lymph nodes when you get sick, the nodes swell because of the production of new cells that will go out into the body to look for more of the virus or bacteria in the body.

When everything is going well in the lymph system, you don’t even know it exists. Back to FAQS on LDT

So what does the lymph system have to do with swelling in the body?
When something goes wrong in the lymph system, fluid builds up in the affected limb or area, and that can lead to a lot of trouble (think sanitation crew going on strike and the piles of trash that backs up).

This trouble can range from mild swelling to lymphedema. Lymphedema is a serious problem where the lymph system fails or gets so backed up that a limb can swell many times beyond its normal size – severely impairing the use of the limb. Back to FAQS on LDT

Why does the lymph system get backed-up?
While not all causes for a swelling or lymphedema are known, some of the common causes are inflammation, damage to the vessels or by the removal of lymph nodes (a standard procedure in a lot of cancer treatments). Back to FAQS on LDT

How can LDT help?
A well-trained therapist can help re-route fluids that are building up so that the area can drain properly. For many people with mild to moderate swelling, this can give them great relief from swelling post-surgery, injury, or even after an allergic reaction.

For those with sever cases of lymphedema, LDT alone cannot drain the affect area, but is often used in conjunction with pressure bandages. A great resource for info on pressure bandages is www.bandagesplus.com. Back to FAQS on LDT

Can you help me with lymphedema?
I am trained to perform LDT only on mild cases of lymphedema (in the very beginning stages known as zero to first degree). Anything beyond mild cases, bandages will be necessary and I am not trained in bandaging. Back to FAQS on LDT

Hot Stone Massage

Hot Stone massage is a therapeutic massage as well as a very relaxing and calming massage. The unique stones used are formed from Volcanic (warm) and Sedimentary (cool) components. These stones are especially known for their heat and cold retention. This is why a stone massage has such powerful effects on the local, systemic, and energy centers of your body.

Hot stone therapy combines traditional massage with use of the stones as extensions of the therapist's hands. This massage is 10 times more effective than the normal massage. The hot stones are placed strategically on the body, to deeply penetrate your muscles and nervous system. Down your spine, on your hips, under your shoulders, between your fingers and toes, are just some examples. Cold stones can also be used with this treatment to stimulate your circulation, and bring decongestion to specific areas.

The stones are placed on specific areas of the body to give you the following effects.

• Removes toxins
• Accelerates lymph drainage
• Increases range of motion of muscles and joints
• Calms the nervous system
• Increases the flow and rate of blood circulation
• Provides relaxation, decongestion and detoxification of your organs

Book Now

Potential For Recovery In Central Nervous System Injuries 

Pathology Perspectives

By Ruth Werner

Originally published in Massage & Bodywork magazine, September/October 2008. Copyright 2008. Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals. All rights reserved.

According to statistical averages, a stroke, traumatic brain injury, or spinal cord injury will radically change the lives of 116 Americans this hour. Injuries to the central nervous system (CNS) can be devastating to the injured person and his or her loved ones and caregivers. The brain and spinal cord, so carefully protected by the three layers of meninges and the bony shells of the cranium and spinal canal, are extraordinarily vulnerable to damage if those protective layers are breeched by a blood clot, a gunshot wound, a motor vehicle accident, or other trauma.

This article will address the consequences of the most common kinds of CNS injuries, along with some new paradigms that are shaping the future of treatment strategies and the long-term prognoses for these events. Because some of these shifts involve muscle reflexes and proprioceptors, this puts the recovery process at least partly within the scope of practice for massage therapists, so we will also look at how bodyworkers can apply their skills in this context.


Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an insult to the brain that is not brought about by congenital or degenerative conditions. This damage can lead to altered states of consciousness, cognitive impairment, and disruption of physical, emotional, and motor function. TBI is usually due to external force. Falls, gunshot wounds, motor vehicle accidents, physical violence, and sports are leading causes. About 1.5 million TBIs are reported every year, and 270,000 are classified as moderate to severe injuries, the rest are considered to be mild (although even mild injuries carry some significant risks).1

Most TBI patients are people between 15 and 25, or over 75 years old. Younger patients are injured in motor vehicle accidents, sports injuries, and personal violence, older patients are injured most often in falls.

Spinal Cord Injury
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is defined by damage to nerve tissue in the spinal canal. How that damage is reflected in the body depends on where and how much of the tissue has been affected.

Traumatic spinal cord injuries fall into one of five categories:

Concussions, in which tissue is jarred and irritated but not structurally damaged.

Contusions, in which bleeding in the spinal cord damages tissue.

Compression, in which a damaged disc, a bone spur, or a tumor puts mechanical pressure on the cord.

Laceration, in which the spinal cord is partially cut, as with a gunshot wound.

Transection, in which the spinal cord is completely severed.

Motor vehicle accidents cause about 50 percent of all spinal cord injuries. Falls are responsible for 24 percent, gunshot wounds and other acts of violence cause 11 percent, and sports-related injuries account for 9 percent. About 11,000 Americans experience an SCI each year, and about 250,000 people in the United States are SCI survivors. Male patients outnumber females by more than 4 to 1.

Statistics on other forms of spinal cord injury are not kept, but some estimates suggest that more people have been disabled by non-traumatic damage to the spinal cord (from arthritis, bone spurs, tumors, or other causes) than from accidents and injuries.


Stroke
Stroke or cerebrovascular accident (CVA) is the result of neuron damage related to ischemia or lack of blood supply. This can happen in one of two ways: 1) an ischemic stroke: a blood vessel becomes blocked with plaque, a clot, or other debris that develops on-site or travels from elsewhere, 2) a hemorrhagic stroke: a blood vessel ruptures and bleeds.

Stroke is the most common type of central nervous system disorder, the third leading cause of death in the United States, and the leading cause of adult disability. About 700,000 people have a stroke each year in this country. Of them, 500,000 are first attacks, and 200,000 are repeat strokes. About 160,000 people die of stroke annually. Close to 5 million stroke survivors are alive in this country today.

No matter what type of CNS injury occurs, internal edema, bleeding, and tissue damage may take several weeks to resolve. Most recovery of function appears to happen during this time. This is also when any residual motor impairment becomes apparent: damage to lower motor neurons reflects as flaccid paralysis, while damage to upper motor neurons shows as spastic paralysis--that is, flexors and extensors become progressively tighter, and ultimately the flexors win and the extensors let go.

The Traditional CNS Injury Paradigm

Understanding of the structure and function of the CNS has always suggested that the environment inside the brain and spinal cord is not conducive to healing and replacement of damaged cells, and that any damage or injury here is permanent and irreversible: the best anyone could hope for would be to prevent the damage from getting worse. Generations of observation show that in individuals with a CNS injury, the affected area of the body becomes progressively weaker and more disabled.

This observation led to a treatment strategy for CNS injuries that focuses on adaptation: teaching the person how to accomplish daily tasks with his or her strongest limbs, providing assistive devices to compensate for loss of strength and function, and changing the living environment as much as possible to keep challenges within a realistic spectrum for the patient's new limitations.

This approach allows many people to live independently after CNS injuries, but it has created an unexpected phenomenon: "learned non-use." In other words, the injured person, who has lost some nerve supply to his or her legs, or to one side of the body, essentially gives up on that area ever being able to function again. The proprioceptors relay information that their limitation is great and getting greater. The weakened limb(s) degenerate continually, taking the form of deconditioning, loss of muscle mass, and irreversible contractures. While some function loss is plainly inevitable, it seems clear that some is a self-fulfilling prophecy: the body senses a limitation and accepts that limitation as a done deal, thus, the limitation increases and progresses.


A New CNS Injury Paradigm
Beginning in the 1930s, neurobiologists and neurochemists made some unexpected discoveries about the CNS: damaged neurons in the brain and spinal cord are far more adaptable to external influences than previously thought. This recuperative capacity has been termed neuroplasticity.

It turns out that even a mature brain can grow new neurons or establish new connections between neurons where none had been seen previously. This raises exciting questions about how this capacity might be maximized or promoted in the context of tissue damage. Two main theories have developed around these findings: one is that intact cells may sprout collateral axonal endings (think of a plant growing new roots) to reach out to other neurons, the other is that previously unused or latent pathways between uninjured neurons could be recruited to provide function to damaged areas.

Another astonishing discovery found that the stepping reflex could be elicited in mammals with transected spinal cords. Proprioceptive sensations about weight-bearing, degree of flexion, or extension at hips, knees, and ankles, and rate of movement appear to stimulate a motor response to the degree that an injured animal--or human--could walk on a treadmill, as long as the circumstances are conducive.


New Treatment Strategies, New Prognoses
These and other surprising findings about CNS resilience have altered the strategies behind CNS injury treatments and substantially brightened the long-term outlook for survivors of these major events.

Traditionally, a survivor of a CNS injury has waited out the period when the nervous system resolves inflammation (approximately three months) to see what kind of function is left in order to make appropriate accommodations. These strategies do not incorporate the nervous system's adaptability, and an argument could be made that these interventions "enable disability" by discounting the potential for motor improvement.

Newer treatment plans focus more on recovery than adaptation. They take advantage of the self-regulating mechanisms that promote initial healing during the acute phase of injury by minimizing edema and oxidative stress (neuron damage related to free radical activity that occurs with injury). The chemical environment inside an injured CNS has profound influence on neuroplasticity. Some chemicals, especially gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), that are released during trauma actually damage neurons when present in high levels. Others appear to promote healing and create an environment where those intact axons can grow new endings or previously disused neural pathways can be recruited to provide function. Reducing the availability of harmful chemicals while increasing helpful ones during this phase has important influence on recovery potential.

Locomotor Training
When the acute phase subsides, new strategies address CNS injury by asking this key question: how much loss is real, and how much is related to "learned non-use"? For spinal cord injuries, this can be tested by utilizing the stepping reflex with a weight-bearing harness and treadmill. Aides can help create proprioceptive stimulus by exaggerating hip, knee, and ankle movements, but ultimately the injured person may be able to move on his or her own, even free of the treadmill. This is process is called locomotor training, and it holds great promise for SCI patients.

Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy
Stroke and TBI patients can translate neuroplasticity into improved function in a different way: the patient's strong side is immobilized so that everything the patient does must be done with the weakened limb. This intense work, called constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) can yield stunning results: long-term function is consistently better than for patients who undergo traditional therapy that focuses on strategies to use the strong limb side of the body. These improvements can be seen even if CIMT is applied years after the stroke or TBI.


What Does This Mean For Massage?
If at least part of a CNS injury patient's problem is related to proprioceptive information and learned non-use, then we can work with the rehabilitation team to promote a more accurate feedback loop about muscle strength and power. We can create bodywork sessions that soothe, calm, and promote improved function through proprioceptive facilitation.

Injuries that affect upper limb function may decrease a patient's ability to grasp or pinch. What if this patient's massage therapist did work to improve hand function? This could mean the difference between being able to drive or not, being able to use a computer or not, even being able to live independently or not.

Injuries that affect lower limb function obviously compromise the ability to walk. That ability can be restored in specialized circumstances, the boundaries of which are only now being explored and challenged. Again, if more accurate proprioceptive messages about muscle tone and the stretch reflex in leg muscles can be conveyed through bodywork, this could have influence on a patient's long-term prognosis.

CNS injuries carry a long list of cautions for massage practitioners. Numbness interferes with important sensory information about the risk of injury. Stroke patients may have other cardiovascular conditions, or a risk of another stroke. Spastic muscle fibers are vulnerable to injury. The threat of blood clots and deep vein thrombosis remains high for people who are not mobile. Urinary tract and kidney infections are a hazard for anyone using a urinary catheter, lung infections are a constant threat for people who can't cough well. Hyperreflexia is a situation where a minor stimulus creates a dangerously exaggerated sympathetic response. These risks can be mitigated with education, curiosity, adaptability of bodywork sessions, and good communication with the rest of the patient's care providers.

The impact that massage therapy may have on CNS injury and prognosis is an open question. New revelations about how adaptable an injured CNS truly is create a wide array of possibilities in which massage therapists may participate.

Ruth Werner is a writer and educator who teaches several courses at the Myotherapy College of Utah and is approved by the NCTMB as a provider of continuing education. She wrote A Massage Therapist's Guide to Pathology (Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2009), now in its fourth edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is available at www.ruthwerner.com or wernerworkshops@ruthwerner.com.

NOTE
1. These numbers do not include military personnel injured in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. This population adds an estimated 320,000 to the total number of TBI survivors over the past five years.

HELPFUL LINKS
http://www.betsysupportpage.com

 ABOUT ME

 Frances L. Dunston, LMT, Reiki Practitioner

 



Background:
Studies Began at New York College of Health Professions and completed at Helma Institute of Massage Therapy. Saddle Brook, N.J. Obtaining diploma in Professional and Clinical Massage Therapy.
Licensed in N.Y. State.

Fran has been servicing families of Brooklyn and the surrounding boughs for over 5 years with quality therapeutic massage. Her touch is therapeutic by all accounts. Her specialty is orthopedic massage which is different from Swedish technique that are more commonly known. While the Swedish style is noted for it's long gliding strokes and kneading of muscle tissue; orthopedic massage serves to help treat deep muscular dysfunctions such as whip lash, carpal tunnel syndrome, lower back strain, neck and shoulder pain, sciatic pain. It also serves to bring relief to those suffering from arthritis, symptoms that stems from Muscular Dystrophy, anxiety, and  insomnia.

Fran is a true believer of client self care. She takes time to interview the client before and after sessions to help the individual better understand how many mechanical dysfunctions can be minimized. Each person receives individualized attention to bring about results.

Continuing Education include studies in:
Manual Lymphatic Drainage
Cold and Hot Stone Therapies
Facial Rejuvenation Therapy
Aromatherapy

Modalities/Therapies:
Classic Swedish
Neuromuscular Therapy
Sports Massage
Prenatal Massage

Shiatsu
Chair Massage
Hot Stone Massage
Reflexology/Feet and Hands
Hydrotherapy

Short list of Current and Past Experience:

Fusion Therapy Spa & Wellness Services (Private Practice) 
Midwood Wellness ( Private Practice)
Mesh Spa, Hoboken N. J.
Parkview Nursing Home - Hospice Volunteer
Monte Fiore Hospital- Reality Office Staff
Barnard College
Unity Theological Seminary
Brooklyn Free Clinic
Lucky Magazine
Northeast Brooklyn Housing Development Corp.
Bridge Street Housing Development
Midwood Martial Arts

Over 6  years serving the community and counting! 

Profiles: Frances L. Dunston, LMT
email: fusiontherapywellness@gmail.com
online services: www.myappointment.genbook.com

The Ministry Of Touch

What can say STRESSED to the max than a college student. Not to mention those obtaining their PhD and Doctoral degrees. I had the pleasure of performing chair massage on the students of Union Theological Seminary of Columbia University this past week. What an amazing group. As a former student herself of Union, current Dean of Student Life Yvette D. Wilson knows first hand how the final days of the school term can wear a person down.

The students where offered 10 minute massages as part of a two day event hosted by the the school. I always say 10 minutes of massage can change your LIFE! 

Here is what some students had to say:

"Yvette,

I had one of the chair massages today and wanted to let you know it was
exceptional.  Fran Dunston was really great.  I am so impressed by what she
could accomplish in 10 minutes.  Thank you so much--just what I needed to take
on this week." - Colleen M.

"Yvette,

A thank you from a student who got a ten minute massage today. Wonderful! What a gift! I was ministered to and I greatly appreciate it" - Lizzie D. PhD student

Massage Therapy Helps the Most Valued Member of Our Society

Elderly massage offers numerous benefits to our senior citizens which can greatly help to improve their health and well being. This article looks at what is elderly massage, why it is valuable to society, and the benefits of massage for elderly citizens.

What Is Elderly Massage?

Massage for elderly citizens is simply that, massage for the elderly, but it's application is certainly different to massage for the younger population and the massage therapist needs to be knowledgeable of the physiological changes that occur in the ageing body. Massage techniques are different, pressure applied is certainly different and there must be great sensitivity shown to the receivers feedback to ensure the massage is comfortable as well as effective.
A natural trend when we age is to become less active and this reduction in physical activity contributes to the reduction of the quality of life experienced by many of our senior citizens. Many studies have shown that elderly massage therapy can be of significant benefit in managing the effects of aging such as arthritis and a host of other physical ailments.
The NCBTMB (National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork) has promoted the use of elderly massage for years. Although there is a general awareness of massage for elderly citizens, there is a poor understanding of its direct benefits.

Why Is Elderly Massage Valuable To Us As A Society?

First there is the obvious; we have an aging population and we should naturally seek effective modes of care for our elderly as they are our parents and grand parents, and we are all on a journey to where they are.
There are also more pragmatic motives as a society. Health care expenditure is predominantly made up of caring for our elderly, so any therapy that reduces the negative effects of aging on our health is also beneficial to our society as a whole. This is true in a financial sense, but also because society would benefit from having a healthier and thus happier and more productive older population.

Benefits of Elderly Massage

• According to the Touch Research Institute, elderly massage is very useful in the treatment of Alzheimer's patients. It has shown to facilitate relaxation and communication.
• It can greatly assist in arthritic pain management.
• Massage for elderly citizens helps to increase their range of motion.
• Also promotes natural joint lubrication, which is extremely important for arthritis sufferers.
• Helps to increase strength and muscle coordination.
• Boosts natural energy levels and mental awareness.
• Can also greatly improve posture by reducing muscle tension. This has the added benefit of assisting seniors with a higher quality of rest, and helps them to sleep deeper and longer which can have a significant effect on their general health and well being.
• Can also have a profound calming effect which in turn helps them to deal with medical interventions they may need to experience in dealing with various conditions.

Pain management in the elderly is predominantly treated through pharmaceutical methods, but thankfully, more people are becoming aware of the benefits of elderly massage therapy.
Massage for elderly citizens is a natural solution to many ailments associated with the aging process, and has proven to be an effective complimentary therapy to assist and improve the efficacy of conventional treatments.

Don't ignore your body pain. Schedule an appointment today.

High Quality, Professional Therapeutic Massage. Real Massage for Real Results

Do it for someone you love...

Need a  Gift Certificate?

contact: Frances L. Dunston
email: fusiontherapywellness@gmail.com
Online: www.myappointment.genbook.com

HOME AGAIN

As of August 31, Fusion Therapy Spa & Wellness will be taking it's view from a different venue. I will be moving my practice back to it's roots; back to my residence at De Koven Court. Just a small shifting of your foot print. Still a wonderful walk through the tree lined neighborhood you've grown to love.

It was an unexpected turn of events for all of us this summer who shared space at East 19th street location. I am grateful to have met new friends there and gotten to know others even better.

You can still find me going strong through the grapevine or my site. See you in September.

Cheers!

- Fran

New Location:

Frances L. Dunston, LMT

Fusion Therapy Spa & Wellness massage therapy services

40 Dekoven Court

Brooklyn, NY 11230

(917) 417-5761 
myappointment.genbook.com

Interested in joining the mailing list and receiving quarterly news updates, and specials? Simple, write your request via this blog or to fusiontherapyspa@gmail.com


Near By Places of Interest:

SALUD

Pomme De Terre

Di Fara Pizza

John's Bakery

De Koven Suites

Coney Island Amusement Park

Kris Waldherr's Studio Gallery

Flatbush Food Coop

Natural Frontier

Midwood Martial Arts

Sacred Vibes Healing- Herbal Consultation and Education

Rugby Gardens

      Chair Massage Event: 

Date: June 25, 2010

Time: 7:00 p.m.- 9:30 p.m.

KRIS WALDHER ART AND WORDS
Studio & Gallery
1501 Newkirk Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11226
( At Newkirk Ave and Malbourgh Road)

studio and gallery telephone:
347-406-5811

Come for the art, find out about various publishing workshops, children's art workshops get a GREAT MASSAGE!!!

Light refreshments served

Chair Massage offered for $1.00 per minute.

See Link for Details:
Kris Waldherr’s studio-gallery: upcoming events and workshops | the blog of author, illustrator and designer Kris Waldherr

Donna Henes, Urban Sharman

Urban Shaman Donna Henes speaks about the

transitions in life we go through in her newest published work:

The Queen of My Self by Donna Henes


Donna Henes is an award winning author, spiritual teacher and speaker in multi-cultural ritual celebrations for more than thirty-three years. Read more about her and her work at DonnaHenes.net

Fusion Therapy Wellness
Featured on the
Ditmas Park Blog


Ditmas Park Blog: Support Local: Fusion Therapy Wellness

Alternative Treatments for Fibromyalgia

How well do they work?

By Jeanie Lerche Davis
WebMD Feature

Reviewed by Brunilda Nazario, MD

To get relief from fibromyalgia pain, more and more people are trying alternative treatments. It's often instinctive -- putting an icepack on a painful spot or reaching for the heating pad when muscles hurt. Or it feels good – like a massage. Even acupuncture is becoming a mainstream pain treatment, with endorsements from the NIH and the World Health Organization.
Now, researchers are honing in on how these various home remedies and alternative treatments work.
"In all these therapies, we're stimulating pressure points... we think there may be a similar underlying mechanism in how they work," says Tiffany Field, PhD, director of the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami School of Medicine.
Pressure applied to the right spot triggers all sorts of changes in the body -- in a good way, she explains. The pressure points have nerve connections to major nerves in the body that affects physiological processes.”
This reduces flow of stress hormones and pain-inducing chemicals -- and ramps up production of mood-related brain chemicals such as serotonin, she says. The result: The body slows down, you feel calmer, sleep is more restful -- and you are able to tolerate the pain of fibromyalgia better.

Massage and Fibromyalgia Treatment

For the past three decades, Field has conducted more than 80 studies looking at massage's effects on various conditions. Her research team looks deeply at the underlying physiological processes involved in sleep -- especially as it relates to fibromyalgiapain.
Researchers tracked patients' sleep patterns, also measuring "substance P," a brain chemical that is central to fibromyalgia pain. People with fibromyalgia pain have higher levels of substance P in the spinal fluid. They also have lower than normal levels of mood-boosting serotonin.
When they get a massage, all that changes. Field's studies have shown less substance P in patients' saliva -- and they report less pain. They also have fewer painful tender points.
The studies typically involve 20-minute massages -- which is only practical if a significant other is trained to do it, she says. One bonus for the family masseuse: People who give massages have lower stress hormone levels, too.
To get the most benefit, it's important to apply moderate pressure. "It doesn't matter whether you're rubbing, kneading, or stroking -- it's the pressure that makes the difference," Field says. "You have to move the skin, actually see finger indentations in the skin. It doesn't hurt, but it's more than light stroking. We've found that light stroking doesn't help."
Massage also helps relieve depression, Field adds. "Depression is related to low serotonin, low dopamine, and increased cortisol. We can jazz that up with massage. There are a lot of positive benefits from massage."

Moist Heat, Cold Packs, and Fibromyalgia Treatment

Warm baths, ice packs, and pressure are the tried-and-true home remedies for many ailments. You burn yourself -- you immediately apply ice or hold it under cold water. Your joints hurt, you want moist heat. You hit your elbow, you're inclined to grab it.
There's a scientific reason why we instinctively do these things. "Temperature and pressure are very, very similar in pain control," Field says.
They reduce inflammation and pain by stopping the pain signal, she explains. "It's called the 'gate theory of neurons.' Temperature neurons and pressure neurons seem to be longer and more insulated than pain neurons. The more insulated the neuron is, the faster the message is going to travel."
Apply cold water, moist heat, or pressure -- and it closes the gate to the next signal, which is the pain signal. "Temperature and pressure neurons travel faster than pain neurons," says Field. "They're protective."

Field suggests this pain-relieving trick

Rub painful trigger points with a hard object (like a tennis ball or dowel rod). It's called self-massage, and it is very effective, she says. "People rub their arms and face with the tennis ball. They use a dowel rod on their legs. They're stimulating the pressure receptors, which helps end the pain. It works -- and it's something people can do on their own."

Tender points
Illustration locating the 18 tender points associated with fibromyalgia
The 18 tender points associated with fibromyalgia occur in symmetrical pairs from the back of your head to your inner knees.m:

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Honoring Your Spirit

I am often asked what made me choose the holistic field? Well, after contemplating that thought I can honestly say, I did not choose it, it chose me. As many young people I had the task of trying to find my niche in life. It was because of some very unsettling experiences I had to sit down with myself and ask MYSELF the question, "Who are you?" I knew my relationship to everyone else in my life but myself. Who was Frances. It had been so long it seemed since I asked myself that question. My likes, my desires, my favorite color. Who are you?

For a number of years following high school, I worked in several administrative positions which I thought in all of my wildest dreams you would not have caught me dead doing. This finally lead me to work in the not-for-profit field as a job readiness and career counselor. It was a rewarding job helping those trying to map out the possibilities and defying their fears of the unknown to barrel forth to some new career that they may have only dreamed about. Meanwhile, I had not truly found the thing that I felt my own heart was calling for.

Raising a family of five children, running a household, at first working part and then full time it; was very easy to get lost in the everyday grind. Along the 15 plus years of churning away at the non stop demands of innumerable responsibilities, I found myself experiencing a number of aliments that had no detectable medical root cause. Headaches, generalized body aches, fainting spell, lack of focus.

After one visit with my then wise old doctor reviewing all my negative test results, he began questioning me about "my life's existence" as I will put it . "How many children do you have are there any unusual stresses at home?" "Five children." I responded "and no there is nothing I would say unusual about home other than the normal activities that went along with raising a family." "How about your marriage. Is everything alright there?" he asked. " Everything is fine, no complains there." Then he asked me the next question and needless to say I was shocked at my own response. " What kind of work do you do? How's your job?" From out of no where I let out a sob of tears that was almost uncontrollable.

" Well" he proclaimed " there is your answer. Your suffering from acute stress." We talked a little bit and his words to me were this " Well, it sounds like your going to have to find another way to deal with the job or find another job." And with that he wrote me two prescriptions for basically tranquilizers. I could not believe what I was hearing. Me, I thought I had everything under control. I was the one everyone came to to fix something, stay a little longer, organize. Ah but that was part of the problem. It was not so much so the work, but who I worked with that was truly draining me. I did not realize how much, I was just holding on to many resentments and how purely exhausted I was. Fran was that person who kept my thoughts and feeling bottled up inside me, never expressing them. Just keeping her head to the grind stone and working through it all hoping tomorrow would bring a better result.

The body has a very unique way of letting you know when it's had enough. This can be expressed in many ways. Body pain such as head aches, neck and shoulder discomforts, sleeplessness, anxiety, gastronomic problems even weight gain or lose, hormonal issues just to name a few. Did you know that stress is one of the precursors of many diseases including heart disease, uterine fibroids. For suffers of fibromyalgia, stress can actual aggravate the condition.

Well, I changed some things in my life back then, but still had not made the leap into the life altering change that would have me truly questioning my existence on this earth. Sometime had pasted when that day finally arrived. It was one Saturday morning in Feb. 2004, when I made my bed, sat square in the middle of it and attempted to drown out all the head chatter that plagued my everyday existence and listen for the sound of SILENCE.

It was during that time I slowly began to find myself again. I wrote down what I discovered and took small steps to challenge myself along to accomplish even the smallest thing. All the while, God faithfully watching, sent his angles into my life to guide and direct me. They had been there all along. My mother, "Find you passion!", my husband " What do you want to do? Just go for it. I'm here." and so many more. When I really went deeper, I found that massage had been calling me from the age of 15 when I first purchased a book on my own about massage. I had never been around it, or had known anyone who had experienced it, but there is was every once in a while calling to me; but I did not answer until four years ago.

Life is a journey, we sometimes get caught up on the cross roads, and that's ok. The trick is to recognize that you have the power within you to change your destiny. With a little help from above and lot's of love and support all around me, I have been able to follow my spirit to the path that had been meant for me. My journey is far from over, there is much more to learn, the important thing is that I began the course. As my wonderful mother always says, "Everything in Divine Order."

If you have a similar tale. Will you share it with us? It may help someone else find their calling in this journey we call life.

Take time to honor who you are. Know that you are enough, learn to like who you are and let the road unwind from there.

Rejuvenating Face Lift Massage

Experience the fabulous effects of a face lift without going under major cosmetic surgery. The Rejuvenating Face Lift Massage utilizes cold marble stones and heated stones to stimulate facial energy points to effect a temporary facelift. The treatment improves the sluggish skin of smokers and those with a poor diet. Lymph drainage is performed, and a gentle enzyme to exfoliate the skin and a honey mask follow. The cold stones increase circulation and reduce inflammation. The technique helps to lift and firm tired muscles, reduces dark circles and puffiness from under the eyes, and helps clear mild rosacea and mild acne.

Detox and Diet By Lynn Hardy, ND, CNC What to eat during a detoxification program As a Naturopath and a big advocate of detoxification, one of the most frequently asked questions I come across is, “What do I eat while detoxing”? While for some people the food they eat or don’t eat serves as the detox in itself, most people prefer the aid of a well-researched proven detox program to guide them through the detoxification process. Even though I have fasted many times in my life, for regular cleansing (every six months or so) I too prefer a specific program to follow so that I will not have to alter my life too drastically. A real professional, effective detoxification program will not ask you to make any dramatic lifestyle and dietary changes. It will work regardless. Healthier food and lifestyle choices are generally made on a subconscious level. Once the body begins to eliminate toxins, it will naturally start craving foods that will nourish it at an optimum level. That said, there are certainly many things you can do to maximize the benefits of the cleanse you’re on from day one, and certain foods will help maintain the benefits of the detox for much longer. Foods (and things) to avoid while cleansing First let’s discuss some of the foods and other factors that will contribute to a toxic body and may also hamper or slow down the detoxification process. If you are not able to completely eliminate these things from your life while cleansing, please try to limit them as much as possible. Tap Water More and more waterways in the US are reported to be unsuitable for fishing or swimming due to pollution. Most common contaminants are sewage, bacteria, fertilizer, oil and grease. Typical sources of pollution include runoff from farms, industrial waste, and city sewer discharge. You might think that city tap water is adequately filtered of these pollutants but sadly this isn’t the case. Additionally, tap water is always chlorinated and may contain lead that has leached in from the soldering on pipe joints. Fluoride, ostensibly added to our drinking water for strengthening our teeth, despite popular belief, is a deadly poison. It can be detrimental to our health and in high enough concentrations has even led to the death of young children. If the topic interests you, there is a lot of information available in books and also on the internet. The Fluoride Action Network is a good place to start your research: www.fluoridealert.org. Drinking tap water and bathing in unfiltered water on a regular basis will burden the body with unnecessary chemicals, leading to a toxic body and ultimately disease. Milk and Dairy Products The dairy food issue is a very controversial one, indeed. Many believe that dairy is not fit for human consumption and numerous research studies have documented its ill effects on our health. On the other side of the coin, dairy farming is a huge, multi-billion dollar government-subsidized industry whose tremendous advertising campaigns have us believing that we can’t live without milk and dairy products. Unfortunately, even if they were right to some degree, all commercially sold dairy products are highly processed and loaded with dangerous chemicals and antibiotics. Dairy products are also very high in saturated fats. Saturated fats slow down the lymphatic system, which is responsible for removing toxins from the body. Food Chemicals and Processed Foods Chemicals found in processed foods and commercially grown fruits, vegetables and meat can have a detrimental effect on our health. We cannot process chemical additives into nutrients that the body can utilize, so they aren’t able to simply pass through our system “as is.” Only water and cellulose can do that. Therefore, these chemicals get absorbed for an indefinite period of time, delaying digestion and adding extra toxins to our blood, tissues and organs, and extra pounds to our weight. No scientific study exists which has been able to determine the length of time it takes for the human body to eliminate the pounds of chemicals it is carrying around. It is interesting to note that preservatives such as sodium nitrate (found in hot dogs, bacon, ham, and other processed foods) and BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) are stored in our fat cells. Sugar Sugar consumption has risen 1,500 percent in the last 200 years. Today, the average American consumes 150 pounds of sugar a year compared to the 12 pounds consumed in the early 1800s. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, that is equal to 52 teaspoonfuls of added sugars per person per day. Can you imagine yourself sitting at the kitchen table gobbling down 52 teaspoons of white sugar – every single day? Well, that’s exactly what most people are doing without even realizing it! It takes approximately 400-500 generations for our bodies to physically adapt to such a drastic change in diet. For now, we are simply not built to handle it. Becoming obese is just one of the many side-effects of consuming too many carbohydrates in the form of sugar. Sugar hinders the body’s immune system and predisposes people to allergies and infections. The number, shape and activity of white blood cells are adversely affected by excessive sugar consumption. Here are just some of the health conditions associated with the over-consumption of sugar: allergies, obesity, eating disorders, eczema, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, kidney stones and failure, learning disabilities, diverticulosis, irritable bowel syndrome, depression, candida, anxiety, hyperactivity in children, dental cavities, adult-onset diabetes, atherosclerosis, and countless others. White Flour Products Flour (especially white flour) is the main component in breads, cereals, baked goods, pastas and many other foods we eat each and every day. White flour is made by stripping the grain of virtually all its nutrients: fiber, vitamins, minerals, essential oils and even proteins, to some extent. Because white flour becomes a depleted, processed, “dead” food, most states require it to be enriched with thiamin, riboflavin and niacin, plus iron. Other nutrients, however, such as zinc, manganese, folic acid, Vitamin B6 and fiber are not replenished in any way. White flour and white flour products often contribute to constipation and other digestive troubles. Since they are stripped of all fiber (essential for proper elimination), they actually stick to the walls of the intestines, causing blockages, rather than helping things move through quickly and smoothly. A highly important first step in modifying one’s diet, regardless of health condition, is to eliminate or minimize white flour and white flour products from the diet. White rice goes through essentially the same process as white flour and should also be avoided. All the fiber and nutrients are stripped off each grain to give rice its pretty white color and reduced cooking time. Aspartame (and other artificial sweeteners) Aspartame is, by far, the most dangerous substance on the market that is added to foods. Aspartame accounts for over 75 percent of the adverse reactions to food additives reported to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Many of these reactions are very serious including seizures and death as recently disclosed in a February 1994 Department of Health and Human Services report. A few of the 90 different documented symptoms listed in the report as being caused by aspartame include: headaches/migraines, dizziness, seizures, nausea, numbness, muscle spasms, weight gain, rashes, depression, fatigue, irritability, tachycardia, insomnia, vision problems, hearing loss, heart palpitations, breathing difficulties, anxiety attacks, slurred speech, loss of taste, tinnitus, vertigo, memory loss, and joint pain. Soft Drinks The average American drinks an estimated 57 gallons (216 liters) of soft drinks each year. The fact that soft drinks are made with tap water is only the tip of the iceberg. Each can of soda has about 10 teaspoons of sugar, 150 calories, 30 to 55 mg of caffeine, and is loaded with artificial food colorings, additives, preservatives and sulphites. In addition, just about all diet soft drinks contain aspartame or other harmful artificial sweeteners. Regular consumption of soft drinks will lead to obesity, osteoporosis, tooth decay and heart disease. Alcohol Alcohol is very damaging to the liver and also depletes important nutrients from the body. In addition, alcoholic beverages contain chemical pesticides, as well as colorants and other harmful additives, putting further strain on the liver. Margarine You probably often hear the old debate of “Which is better for you, butter or margarine?” When you consider the fact that margarine is nothing more than “plastic butter,” the answer seems to be quite obvious. (There are still much better choices than butter but if you had to choose between margarine and butter — butter should definitely be your first choice!) The reason why we call margarine “plastic butter” is because a hydrogenated fat molecule from margarine inspected under a microscope looks the same as a plastic molecule. John Finnegan, the author of The Facts about Fats: A Consumer’s Guide to Good Oils states that margarine is “…lifeless, devitalized poison, packed with carcinogens [cancer-causing chemicals], fit only for lubricating the front wheel bearing of your car.” Just how deadly can margarine be? A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 1967, compared two populations in India, where the only difference in the diet was the type of fat they consumed. The group that used margarine instead of butter had a 15 times greater heart disease rate than the group using butter. A follow-up study twenty years later found similar results. Don’t let the labels on margarine containers fool you into believing that you’re getting something healthy. The increased consumption of margarine is a huge contributor to our poor health, as it escalates the overall level of toxins in the body. Microwave Ovens We never seem to hear of any ill effects in relation to regular use of microwave ovens. Just about every household has one and everybody uses it at one time or another. However, long-term safety has not been proven and some evidence has been slowly surfacing about potential health hazards caused by the radiation produced by microwaves. For this reason, it’s safe to advise that anybody, especially those with small children or serious health conditions avoid using microwaves as much as possible. During the detoxification program, it is also a good idea to give your microwave a break. It may seem inconvenient for the first few days but once you get used to it there’s no going back. I personally haven’t used a microwave for over 15 years and my family and I don’t miss it for a second. Foods to consume while cleansing Now let’s discuss which foods can enhance cleansing and accelerate the detoxification process. Organic Raw Fruit Fruit is rich in fiber and also has a very high water content, making it the ideal accompaniment to a detoxification program. The fiber absorbs toxins and the water helps to flush them out of the body. Fruit is also rich in vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids and fruit pectin, which has been shown to bind with heavy metals, such as lead, helping to eliminate them from the system. Fruits to consume in abundance while cleansing: lemons, oranges, grapefruits, pears, apples, cherries, grapes, mangoes, pineapples, melons, tomatoes, and papayas. Try to buy fruit that is in season where you live, rather than imported fruit that has been traveling for weeks. All degenerative diseases are linked to two main causes: mineral deficiency and toxicity. Non-organically produced food is responsible for both problems. Organic Vegetables Organic veggies should make up the bulk of a healthy diet, especially while detoxifying. While fruits are known to be very powerful detoxifiers, organic vegetables will help balance acid and alkaline levels and have a calming effect on the body. Vegetable to consume in abundance while cleansing: garlic, onions, carrots, beets, cabbage, watercress, celery, cucumber, broccoli, cauliflower, and lots of green leafy vegetables such as spinach. Try to buy veggies that are in season where you live, rather than imported fruit that has been traveling for weeks. Legumes Legumes, such as beans, lentils, and peas, chickpeas, etc., have all the nutrients now recognized as important in preventing heart disease, cancer and obesity. They are high in complex carbohydrates, protein, vitamins and minerals, fiber and they are extremely low in fat. Wholegrains Wholegrains are grains that are unprocessed, retaining most of their nutrients and providing a good source of soluble and insoluble fiber. Wholegrains are an integral part of a healthy, cleansing diet. They are an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, minerals and low-fat source of protein. Grains to consume while detoxing: barley, millet, oats, brown rice, buckwheat, couscous, and quinoa. Nuts and Seeds Nuts and seeds are excellent foods to consume while cleansing. They are good sources of vitamin E, protein, minerals, fiber and essential fatty acids. Nuts can be eaten as an alternative to meat and cheese. They are known to reduce the risk of stroke, heart disease, cancer and improve hair, skin and nails. Seeds play an important role in supporting the immune system and protecting cells from oxidation. Nuts and seeds to consume while cleansing: pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, linseed, sesame seeds, walnuts, almonds, chestnuts, hazelnuts and cashews. Good Fats Certain fats, used in moderation, can have therapeutic effects while cleansing. Olive, walnut, hazelnut and sesame oils contain valuable essential fatty acids. Please keep in mind that nut and seed oils are best used in cold dishes as heat destroys their delicate flavor and nutritional value. Olive oil is very high in antioxidants, which neutralize cancer-causing free radicals. It is monounsaturated, and thereby lowers LDL (bad) cholesterol without reducing the HDL (good) cholesterol. This results in improved circulation, lowered blood pressure and a lower risk of heart disease. Recent research also indicates that olive oil may be especially effective in preventing both breast cancer and osteoporosis. It costs a little more but extra virgin olive oil is by far the best option. It is the oil that is made from the first pressing. It has less than one percent acidity, and has the highest nutritional value and the best taste. 02 References: Global College of Natural Medicine, Nutritional Consultant Program; The Detox Book by Nicola Graimes; The Detox Diet by Elson M. Haas, M.D.; 7-Day Detox Miracle by Peter Bennett, N.D. Internal Cleansing by Linda Berry; International Olive Oil Council www.internationaloliveoil.org. General tips to maximize your detox and for staying healthy • Make sure you drink plenty of water – at least eight glasses of pure filtered water a day • Exercise regularly • Eat organic foods as much as possible • Drink fresh organic fruit and vegetable juices daily • Reduce animal protein and dairy products as much as possible • Eat plenty of fresh, organic fruits, vegetables, as well as some whole-grains, nuts, seeds and legumes • Always wash and peel non-organic fruits and vegetables • Use Stevia in place of sugar or artificial sweeteners • Avoid or limit processed foods, sugar, caffeine, alcohol, artificial sweeteners • Only eat when you are hungry and do not overeat • Chew your food slowly and thoroughly • Do not drink with your meals as this can dilute your digestive juices and interfere with digestion • Read labels carefully to avoid genetically modified ingredients, artificial flavors, additives, preservatives and colorings • Use natural cleaning and personal care products • Take a good quality fiber supplement daily to help maintain regularity (even after you finished your detox) • Take a good quality vitamin/mineral supplement daily to keep your immune system functioning optimally • Take a good quality probiotic daily to maintain bowel health and improve digestion Type 3 Diabetes As diabetes patients know, insulin is produced in the pancreas. But now, scientists say they’ve discovered that insulin is also produced in the brain. They’re naming their find a possible “Type 3 Diabetes,” but the brain’s insulin is thought to inhibit the progression of Alzheimer’s Disease, according to the researchers. The new study is published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. Dr. Suzanne de la Monte is the lead author. She’s a professor of Pathology and Medicine at Brown Medical school.

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